Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 August 1914 — ALLIES POWERLESS TO STOP GERMAN ADVANCE TO PARIS [ARTICLE]

ALLIES POWERLESS TO STOP GERMAN ADVANCE TO PARIS

Lille, Valenciennes and Longwy ‘ Captured. CAPITAL READY FOR SIEGE Defensive Operations Are Begun and All Trains Are Expected to Be Stopped as Teutons Continue March Into France. Pariß, Aug. 28. —With the Germans forging ahead In northern France, the Belgians active in the vicinity of BrusBels and Mallneu, with the German oenter and left llank checked by the allies, Paris this morning believes the conflict of millions appears at last to be in progress. The people of Paris realize that the allies are lighting to block all ( roads to this capital, with the Germans hardly farther away than 90 miles, the distance between New York city and Philadelphia. Paris believes the German's objective Is Paris itself. The Impending battle probably will be an attempt by Germany, with the hugest army ever employed, for a swift attack, to sledgehammer Its way through the allies’ offensive barrier while trying to outflank them between their left and the seaboard. This is evidenced by the fact that the French have retreated from the fortified city of Lille and have abandoned Roubalx and Valenciennes, near the Belgian frontier. They have fallen back on Arras, where a battle of great Importance 1b expected hourly. More than Beven hundred and fifty thousand Germans are reported ready to march on this point, It is said. Longwy also has fallen, after a fierce bombardment by the Germans. London, Aug. 28.—A Central News dispatch from Amsterdam states that a message from Antwerp contains the information that the Germans have recaptured Maltnes.

By C. F. BERTELLI.

7,000 Germans Reported Killed.

Paris, Aug. 28.—The war office gives out the following: The French troops have retaken the offensive in the Voeges mountains, driving back the German forces, which Wednesday forced the French to retreat to the side of St. Die. The Germans bombarded St. Die, an unfortified town between the Vosges and Nancy. For five days the French offensive attack has been uninterrupted. The German losses are considerable. More than twenty-five hundred dead German soldiers have been found southeast of Nancy on a battle line extending for three kilometers. More than forty-five hundred more are lying along a four kilometer line in the region of Vltrimont.

(This is the battle In which 600,000 men were engaged—3oo,ooo on each side.) Longwy, a very old fortress of which the garrison consisted of only a single battalion and which has been bombarded since August 3, capitulated after having held out for 24 days. More than half the defenders were killed or wounded. Governor of Longwy Honored. Lieutenant Colonel d'Arche, governor of Longwy, has received the decoration of the Legion of Honor for his heroism in the defense of the town. On the River Meuse our troops have repulsed several German attacks with extreme vigor. A German flag has been captured. The Belgian troops in the noble defense of Namur and the French regiment eo-operating with and being supported by them, have rejoined the main French lines. In the north the English army, attacked by a German force numerically far superior, after brilliant resistance has retired slightly upon its right. The French armies have maintained their positions in Belgium. The army at Antwerp by its offensive movements has drawn and held before it several German divisions. French Still Hold Lille. London, Aug. 28—The French embassy denies that Lille has been taken by the Germans. Serious fighting was In progress in the vicinity of Lille in the morning, as‘'well as Valenciennes and Roubaix, also reported to have been captured. But the Germans, ae cording to embassy officials, were forced to retire. A dispatch from Ostend—which was occupied by British marines—reported the capture of these three cities, all of which are well within the French border. Military men were disinclined to credit the report, despite a Daily Express dispatch from Ostend. whi^b

quoted a Berlin officer' a* saying tuw* It was decided last Monday not to do* fend Lille. On Tuesday, according to this account, the mayor of the city issued a proclamation announcing the evacua tlon of the French troops and the transformation of the town into an undefended place. Allies Concentrate at Arras. Late advices indicate that British and French forces are being concentrated in great numbers at Arras, 12 zniles south of Utire. This is regarded as a superior strategic point from which to operate against the 750,0j00 Germans who are said to be advancing across the Belgian frontier. From now on, it is declared, France intends to throw every available man in her army into the battle line on the northern frontier. According to the French embassy the Franco-Britlsh forces are holding a strong position along the line from Cambrai to Le Cateau. Cambrai Is about eight miles southeast of Arras, where the big British and French force is being concentrated. Le Cateau Is six miles west of Cambrai. It is pointed out here that it would he a confession of great weakness for the French to abandon Lille without a fight. It is ten miles from the Belgian frontier, and most important from a military point of view. It has a fortress of the first class and the circle of Its forts Is 30 miles. It has been held by French reservists. Its population is 200,000. Valenciennes is also ten miles from the frontier and 30 miles southeast of Lille. Roubaix is five miles from the frontier and five miles northeast of Lille. Valenciennes is also an important military point, with an arsenal and extensive barracks.

Namur’s Forts Still Holding Out Despite wireless messages from Berlin asserting that the Namur forts have fallen, an Exchange Telegraph company dispatch from Ostend credits a Belgian officer with the statement that the forts there are still holding out. with the exception of Marcluivelette and Cognelee, which were destroyed by the German bombardment. According to this officer, the Belgians fought for two days in defense of these forts. There is still a large force of Germans before Namur. An Antwerp dispatch also declares that the Naniur forts are still holding out. There is no confirmation of the report that Montmedy, on the Luxembourg frontier, has been taken by the Germans. 3C,0C0 Called to Defend London. London, April 28.—Lord Esher, president of the London Territorial association, issued an appeal for 30,000 Londoners to replace the territorials or national guardmen who volunteered for foreign service. The appeal was directed to what he calls the “straw hat brigade,” otherwise the large army of city clerks and young men about town. “I appeal to all mothers to let their sons come into the service of the king,” says Lord Esher. “At such a time as this no girl should be seen abroad with a youth who is not wearing the king's uniform. "The public still thinks this war is something like the Boer war. 'if the allied armies are pushed back only a little we probably shall be able to see the Germans from the cliffs of Dover in marshaled legions along the French coast. “Only yesterday 1 spoke to an officer of General French’s staff. He described the appalling scenes in the invaded areas. Women and children were dying by the wayside in their flight from the battlefields. It might be our turn tomorrow.” Similar reserves will be created throughout England, as 175,000 additional men will be required for home defense.

By FRANKLIN P. MERRICK.

Paris Preparing for Siege.

Paris, Aug 28.' —Preparations for a siege of Paris are being rushed. General Gallieni, an expert in defensive operations, has taken command of the troops that garrison the forts about the capital. He succeeded General Michel as military governor of Paris. The latter will go to the front. These steps were! officially stated to be “only necessary precautions in conjunction with the military operations,” but this announcement was not sufficient to calm the fears that had been aroused by the sudden formation of a new cabinet. It Is expected that within 24 hours passenger train service will be practically suspended by a flood of freight traffic bringing to the capital to stock the government storehouses. The freight trains are already being made up at towns in the centers of the agricultural districts. As the British form part of the left wing of the allied troops, it is feared here that the great German army has turned both flanks, and, advancing in a circle, will drive the French back upon the capital. The French losses have been very heavy in the fighting that has already taken place. This is evidenced by the government decree permitting the promotion of officers irrespective of seniority. Calling cards, the correct sizes, both plain and' linen finish, constantly in stock In Tho Democrat’s fancy stationery department